Complementary Approaches to Treating Psoriasis

Each night I watch the NBC Nightly News podcast as I’m applying topical medications and moisturizers after showering. This week the show is running a series on complementary (or alternative) medicine. So far they’ve looked at treating cancer patients, highlighting therapies such as yoga, massage, and acupuncture to complement chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In Dr. Nancy Snyderman’s reporting we learn that these kinds of alternative therapies have become more mainstream. While doctors and treatment centers have become more open-minded, unfortunately the insurance companies are behind in covering them. Naturally, as I slathered on another layer of Eucerin Crème, I thought of how this new trend might affect psoriasis care.

In the past my doctors gave little credence to treating psoriasis with special diets or supplements, Chinese herbal formulations (bitter!), acupuncture, etc. They felt that if it helped then go ahead, but the scientific community had not gathered enough data or done the requisite trials. Just as with cancer care, I do feel they’ve become more open-minded over time. As for patients, I continue to sense a high interest in these alternative therapies for psoriasis on the blog as they claim to be less toxic and often cost less than prescription drugs. The blog entry on acupuncture still gets comments every once in a while even though it is more than four years old. Many comments relate to alternative treatments being tried with varying degrees of success.

I’m at a crossroads myself. I’m going on 18 weeks of Stelara (ustekinumab) treatment, but my stomach and back are still covered with psoriasis. My scalp, nails, and the soles of my feet have worsened, too. My hands, arms, and lower legs are relatively clear, but I had hoped for more of a response, especially given the side effects. My experience is not going to be the same as yours, but the strong side effects last at least a few days after my injection. It’s the same pattern for three injections now. I’ve stopped Neoral (cyclosporine) for a couple months to take a break from the toxicity. And I need to wean myself from the more potent topical corticosteroids. Here’s a helpful chart from the National Psoriasis Foundation detailing the potency of various topical corticosteroids. My skin is thinning and atrophying, with some stretch marks, a sure sign it’s time for a break.

I like the word “complementary” as it connotes a working together between the “conventional” medicine approaches and the “alternative” approaches. Just as with the cancer patients, I’m thinking I can still have my injection, pill, or ointment, and then add other therapies. Perhaps I can even minimize how much I expose my organs to toxicity. I know some people disavow one or the other, not wanting to try alternatives, or fearing prescription systemic treatments. I’m going to see where the middle road takes me.

Finally, it’s always highly encouraged to check with your doctor before you start any new treatment. Some of them I’ve read may interact with prescription medications. I’m going to email my dermatologist soon about a couple new therapies I want to try!

How do you feel about complementary/alternative medications and conventional therapies? What complementary therapies have worked for you?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Howard Chang

Howard Chang has lived with severe psoriasis for more than 35 years since childhood. He is a volunteer for the National Psoriasis Foundation. Howard works as a Christian spiritual advisor and is a married...read more